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@turpe
Oops.
Hippy has it spot on - I was indeed referring to two separate things. To clarify:
1) Steel is a lot more forgiving on the wrists. Due to it's slightly more flexible nature, I find that a steel frame/fork soaks up road vibrations a lot better than aluminium - although, as rightly pointed out above, a carbon fork will redress the balance considerably, should you choose an aluminium frame.
2) Steel is a lot more repairable, should you crash - aluminium, whilst stiffer and stronger, cannot very easily (if at all) be repaired if the worst happens. I know quite a few folks that have had decent steel track frames repaired following minor to moderate collisions - everyone I know that's had similar damage to an aluminium frame has had to buy a new frame.